The blast of war blows in our ears

I applaud Jon Snow of Channel 4 for attacking the decision by news media in Britain and elsewhere to keep quiet about the deployment of Prince Harry in Afghanistan in return for interviews and coverage to be shown after his return to the UK ('I think this is as normal as I'm ever going to get', February 29). In doing so, the media insulted their profession and the prince. News should be reported when it happens, not when it's convenient to authorities. The interviews now being rushed into print and on air seem stilted and unreal because they were so carefully staged. Better to have caught the prince briefly at work in Afghanistan without mention of his location or unit. It was a bad deal for the media and the prince, who seems only to want to be an ordinary soldier, an admirable desire.Ron OdgersHove, East Sussex

I am proud of Prince Harry and all the other forces personnel who serve on our behalf in Afghanistan and Iraq. The media outlets that leaked this story should be charged with reckless endangerment of others for profit. I am also annoyed with Channel 4 News for its awful, sneering coverage of this story. Jon Snow should be sent to report on Afghanistan for a month to see if he changes his tone.Luke MageeAshford, Kent

To protect "bullet magnet" Prince Harry and those around him, newspapers ganged up with the Ministry of Defence to decide what readers should and should not know. Why stop there? The entire royal family, as representatives of our country and, by implication, its deeply unpopular foreign policy, are bullet magnets. May I suggest a news blackout on all activities of all members of the royal family, for all time? This will help ensure their safety, and give the rest of us a break.Zoe FairbairnsLondon

So as Harry's exploits in this unwinnable war are splashed across the media, the government serves Ben Griffin with an injunction to stop him speaking about the murky realities of what British soldiers get up to in Afghanistan and Iraq (Court gags ex-SAS man who made torture claims, February 29). Boy's Own stuff it is not, but fortunately for New Labour the old adage about not needing to bribe journalists considering what they will do anyway seems to be holding.Keith FlettLondon

So we are back to the middle ages - a young prince has to prove his manhood by killing other young men. These days it is not even face to face but by calling down an airstrike. What example is this to other young men? Is this the way to win hearts and minds in Afghanistan? Better if the prince had joined a friend of ours doing humanitarian work there.Norman KemberPinner, Middlesex

It is sad that a young man's idea of success is to fight in a war of doubtful use that has divided public opinion. Harry has had all the educational benefits given to the rich - what a waste that instead of making use of these and doing something constructive, such as becoming a doctor, all he can see himself doing is leading others into danger as an officer.Norman VerrecchiaBellshill, Lanarkshire

Will someone tell Harry that there's nothing remotely "normal" about going to another country and killing people?Andrew GraystoneManchester

Prince Harry is third in line to the throne, which makes him a bullet magnet. Your coverage emphasises his attempt to be seen as an ordinary chap doing his duty. Easy solution: if he renounces his title and any claim to the throne then he really can be an ordinary chap, free to make and enjoy his choices.Mike GaleBurton on Trent, Staffordshire

The contrast between the courageous combat service of your Prince Harry and the pampered lives of our Bush progeny could not be more stark. Sir, I salute you. Party on, Bush twins. At ease.Bobby GladdLas Vegas, Nevada, US